Muslims stood by the President - Faizer
Nadira Gunatilleke
Sri Lanka thanks all Muslim countries which supported the country at
the UNHRC sessions in Geneva by voting against the resolution and by
abstaining from voting. President Mahinda Rajapaksa is a true and long
time friend of Islamic nations, Technology and Research Deputy Minister
Faizer Mustapha told the Daily News yesterday.
Faizer Mustapha |
Mustapha said that 15 countries voted against the resolution and of
these seven were Islamic nations. “There were Islamic nations among the
countries which abstained from voting. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has
been supporting Palestine for a long time and even before he became the
President.
He is a true leader who does not think that might is right and always
stands by what is right," the deputy minister said.
Mustapha said the friendship and relationship between Sri Lanka and
Islamic nations has a long history that dates back to many centuries.
"Muslim traders who visited Sri Lanka in ancient times for commercial
purposes got married to Sri Lankan women. The relationship is very
strong and linked socially, culturally and economically. We must thank
China and Russia for standing by Sri Lanka proving a friend in need is
truly a friend indeed," he said.
"The Sri Lankan Muslim community is silent and mind their own
business. For the first time in Sri Lankan history, Muslims took to the
streets to protect the motherland and fight against foreign
interventions. They know that President Mahinda Rajapaksa always
respects all religions and ethnicities and protects human rights. They
took to the streets because of this," the deputy minister said
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